Texas-Style French Toast
Texas-Style French Toast is a easy American (Texan) recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 47 min
Cost: $7.51 total, $1.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 slices Thick Texas Toast Bread (store‑bought thick sliced white bread, slightly stale works best)
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (cold)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, for greasing the griddle)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 4 slices Bacon (thick‑cut, cooked crisp and crumbled)
- 0.25 cup Maple Syrup (real maple syrup, not pancake syrup)
Instructions
Make the custard batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the bread for soaking
Set the griddle over medium heat. While it heats, dip each slice of thick bread into the batter, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs but does not fall apart.
Time: PT3M
Cook the bacon
In a small skillet over medium heat (about 350°F), cook the bacon strips until crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 350°F
Cook the French toast
Add a small knob of butter to the hot griddle. Place the soaked bread slices onto the griddle and cook 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat if the toast browns too quickly.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Slice strawberries
Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them into halves or quarters.
Time: PT2M
Plate and garnish
Arrange the cooked French toast on a serving plate, cut each slice in half, dust with powdered sugar, top with sliced strawberries and crumbled bacon, and finish with a generous drizzle of real maple syrup.
Time: PT4M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thick Texas Toast Bread: day‑old sandwich bread, brioche slices
- Instead of Large Eggs: egg substitute (liquid), 3 tbsp liquid egg replacer per egg
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar + 1 tsp molasses, turbinado sugar
- Instead of Heavy Cream: whole milk + 1 tsp melted butter, half‑and‑half
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: vanilla bean paste, almond extract (use half amount)
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: pumpkin spice, ground nutmeg (half amount)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegetable oil, margarine
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: granulated sugar blended in a blender
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: fresh raspberries, blueberries
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon strips
- Instead of Maple Syrup: honey, agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Griddle or Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Skillet (for bacon)
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the custard batter
- Cook the French toast
- Plate and garnish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use day‑old Texas toast or brioche for the best texture.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) to the batter for a subtle citrus note.
- Finish the toast with a pat of butter before drizzling maple syrup for extra richness.
Troubleshooting
The French toast is soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the griddle is hot (around 350°F) before adding the bread and cook each side for the full 2 minutes. Use day‑old or slightly stale bread to absorb less batter.
The batter is too thick and doesn’t coat the bread evenly.
Add a splash (1‑2 tbsp) of milk or additional heavy cream to thin the batter to a pourable consistency.
The toast burns quickly.
Reduce the heat to medium‑low and watch closely; the sugar in the batter can caramelize fast.
Bacon sticks to the pan and tears.
Cook bacon over medium heat and add a tiny drizzle of oil if the pan is dry; use a non‑stick skillet.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat directly in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled French toast at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the custard batter up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; give it a quick whisk before using.
- Cook the bacon in advance and store in the fridge; reheat briefly before serving.
- Slice strawberries just before plating to keep them fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Texas‑style French toast in American brunch cuisine?
Texas‑style French toast blends the classic French toast technique with Southern comfort flavors like bacon and maple syrup. It became popular in Texas brunch spots as a hearty, sweet‑savory dish that showcases the region’s love for big, indulgent breakfasts.
What are the traditional regional variations of French toast in Texas cuisine?
In Texas, French toast often features thick Texas toast, a richer custard with heavy cream, and toppings such as crispy bacon, fresh berries, and generous maple syrup. Some variations add jalapeño‑infused batter for a spicy kick or use pecan‑streusel toppings.
How is Texas‑style French toast traditionally served in Texas brunch restaurants?
It is usually plated on a large platter, cut in half, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with sliced strawberries and crumbled bacon, and finished with a drizzle of real maple syrup. It is served hot alongside coffee or fresh‑squeezed orange juice.
What occasions or celebrations is Texas‑style French toast traditionally associated with in Texas culture?
This dish is a staple for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), and special gatherings like sorority or fraternity house brunches, where a crowd‑pleasing, indulgent breakfast is desired.
What makes Texas‑style French toast special or unique in American cuisine?
The addition of heavy cream to the custard makes the batter richer, while the combination of sweet powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and salty, crispy bacon creates a balanced sweet‑savory profile that is distinctly Texan.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas‑style French toast at home?
Common errors include using fresh soft bread that becomes soggy, cooking on too high heat which burns the sugar, and not letting the batter rest long enough to fully dissolve the sugar. Using these tips ensures a crisp exterior and fluffy interior.
Why does this Texas‑style French toast recipe use heavy cream instead of just milk?
Heavy cream adds extra fat, giving the custard a luxurious, custardy texture and richer flavor that stands up to the bold toppings like bacon and maple syrup, which a simple milk‑based batter would lack.
Can I make Texas‑style French toast ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Texas‑style French toast?
The exterior should be golden‑brown and crisp, while the interior remains soft and custardy. The bread should hold its shape, and the toppings should be glossy from the maple syrup with a contrast of red strawberries and brown bacon bits.
What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on fun, approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring comfort food, brunch ideas, and creative twists on classic dishes with a casual, friendly presentation style.
How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes quick, no‑fuss techniques, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and adds personal flair like regional twists (e.g., Texas‑style) while keeping the videos upbeat and relatable, unlike more formal or technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
